Stefanos Tsitsipas Seriously Considered Retirement Amid Pain-Filled Campaign
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about quitting the sport due to debilitating spinal pain during the season.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his second-round departure in New York this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment is finally showing encouraging progress.
"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my training holds up under regular practice concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I could complete an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "for the past half a year or more."
"I kept asking, 'Can I compete another contest without discomfort?'"
"I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for 48 hours. That is the moment start reconsidering your career's future."
Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan following the completion of an extended period of pre-season training completely pain-free.
His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the season's first major.
"My main goal for 2026 is to not have concerns about finishing matches," he expressed.
"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed an off-season without pain – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the United Cup.
"I have done the work. The crucial element is complete faith that I can return to where I was. I will try all means to achieve that."
